Abstract: The instant disclosure relates to contact grids for use in photovoltaic cells, wherein a cross-section of the contact grid fingers is shaped as a trapezoid, as well as a method of making photovoltaic cells comprising these contact grids. The contact grids of the instant disclosure are cost effective and, due to their thick metal grids, exhibit minimum resistance. Despite having thick metal grids, the unique shape of the contact grid fingers of the instant disclosure allow the photovoltaic cells in which they are employed to retain more solar energy than traditional solar cells by reflecting incoming solar energy back onto the surface of the solar cell instead of reflecting this energy away from the cell.

Abstract: A plurality of thin linear thin wire electrodes are formed entirely over a first surface that is a light receiving surface of a solar cell element, a back surface collecting electrode is formed on a second surface that is a back surface of the solar cell element, and a wiring member which draws power is connected to each of the thin wire electrode and the back surface collecting electrode. The thin wire electrode and the wiring member are bonded with solder and side surfaces of the solder bonding portion in a longitudinal direction along the wiring member are coated with a thermosetting resin, and, in a region excluding the thin wire electrodes, the wiring member and the first surface are bonded with a thermosetting resin. The wiring member and the thin wire electrodes are bonded to have a sufficient mechanical bonding strength and high bonding reliability.

Abstract: To overcome a problem in related art and to provide an easy-adhesive having an excellent adhesive property and an excellent adhesive durability for a solar cell rear surface protection sheet, a solar cell rear surface protection sheet, and a solar cell module formed by using the solar cell rear surface protection sheet. An easy-adhesive for a solar cell rear surface protection sheet according to the present invention exhibits a specific glass transition temperature, a specific number average molecular weight, and a specific hydroxyl value. Further, the easy-adhesive for a solar cell rear surface protection sheet contains a (meth)acrylic-based copolymer (A) having no (meth)acryloyl group (A), a compound having a (meth)acryloyl group, and a polyisocyanate compound (C) at a specific rate.

Abstract: A system and method for recovering performance of a degraded solar cell are provided. The system includes a solar cell having electrodes arranged on opposing sides of an electrolyte and defining a solar cell polarity therebetween and a power source connected to the electrodes. A controller controls the power source for applying a voltage pulse(s) across the solar cell. The voltage pulse may be applied at the solar cell polarity so as to define a forward electrical bias of the solar cell.

Abstract: Cells including a first electrode layer, a photoelectric conversion layer, and a second electrode layer on a translucent substrate are connected. Between adjacent cells, a first separating groove separates the first electrode layer, a second separating groove separates the second electrode layer, and a connecting groove electrically connects the second electrode layer of a cell and the first electrode layer of the other. A reflective film is provided on the second electrode layer having a transparent conductive film and a metal film stacked in this order on the photoelectric conversion layer and at least the metal film is patterned into lines. The metal film is patterned into lines with a same width within the connecting groove and is connected to the first electrode layer of the adjacent cell. The reflective film is provided in the connecting groove where the metal film is not formed and in the second separating groove.

Abstract: To overcome a problem in related art and to provide an easy-adhesive having an excellent adhesive property and an excellent adhesive durability for a solar cell rear surface protection sheet, a solar cell rear surface protection sheet, and a solar cell module formed by using the solar cell rear surface protection sheet. An easy-adhesive for a solar cell rear surface protection sheet according to the present invention exhibits a specific glass transition temperature, a specific number average molecular weight, and a specific hydroxyl value. Further, the easy-adhesive for a solar cell rear surface protection sheet contains a (meth)acrylic-based copolymer (A) that contains a carbon-carbon double bond in a side chain at a specific rate, and a polyisocyanate compound (B) at a specific rate.

Abstract: A generator includes a heat-electricity transforming device and a heat collector. The heat-electricity transforming device is configured to transform heat into electricity. The heat collector includes at least one heat absorption module. The at least one heat absorption module includes a carbon nanotube structure. The at least one heat absorption module is connected to the heat-electricity transforming device and transfers heat to the heat-electricity transforming device.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device for converting light into electrical power includes a film (16, 26, 36) of silicon nanoparticles. The silicon nanoparticle film, which can be a multilayer film, has a photoluminescence response and couples light and or electricity into semiconductor layers. A particular example photovoltaic device of the invention include a solar cell that accepts and converts light of a predetermined wavelength range into electrical power. A film containing luminescent silicon nanoparticles is optically coupled to the solar cell. The film has a predetermined thickness. The film responds to incident radiation and produces light or electron response in the predetermined wavelength range that is optically coupled into the solar cell. In preferred embodiments, the film is additionally or alternatively electrically coupled to the solar cell, which produces charge response that is electrically coupled into the solar cell.

Abstract: Apparatus and techniques for mounting frameless photovoltaic modules reduce module stress induced by the mounting configuration. Interface strips and strip/rail spacing configured to relieve module stress by reducing or eliminating module sag are used.

Abstract: A solar energy collector includes a generally tubular housing or multiple tubular housings each having an open end for receipt of solar rays which are then reflected from a generally conical mirror within the housing onto solar cells lining the inside surface of the housing. Various mechanisms are utilized to favorably orient the housing or otherwise direct the solar rays and to maximize the incidence of reflected solar rays onto solar cells.

Abstract: Apparatus and techniques for mounting frameless photovoltaic modules reduce module stress induced by the mounting configuration. Cable clamps and cable spacing configured to relieve module stress by reducing or eliminating module sag are used.

Abstract: A solar cell includes a substrate of a first conductive type, an emitter region of a second conductive type opposite the first conductive type and which forms a p-n junction along with the substrate, an anti-reflection layer positioned on the emitter region, a front electrode part electrically connected to the emitter region, and a back electrode part electrically connected to the substrate. The substrate includes a first area formed of single crystal silicon and a second area formed of polycrystalline silicon. A thickness of the anti-reflection layer positioned in the first area is less than a thickness of the anti-reflection layer positioned in the second area.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide a solar cell device, and method for forming the solar cell device by integrating a switch component into a solar cell element. The solar cell element can include a solar cell, a solar cell array and/or a solar cell panel. The integrated solar cell element can be used for a solar sensor, while the solar sensor can also use discrete switches for each solar cell area of the sensor. Exemplary embodiments also provide a connection system for the solar cell elements and a method for super-connecting the solar cell elements to provide a desired connection path or a desired power output through switch settings. The disclosed connection systems and methods can allow for by-passing underperforming solar cell elements from a plurality of solar cell elements. In embodiments, the solar cell element can be extended to include a battery or a capacitor.

Abstract: A solar light concentration photovoltaic conversion system, uses a solar light collector to focus collected light onto a termination of at least one multi-fiber cable. A wavelength splitter is optically coupled to the other termination of the multi-fiber cable for producing light beams of different wavelengths, each illuminating the optical termination of one or more lambda-dedicated tap fibers or multi-fiber cables. From the wavelength splitter depart a number of lambda-dedicated groups of tap fibers adapted to convey the radiation to remotely arranged lambda-specific photovoltaic cells, configured for efficiently converting light energy of the specific wavelength spectrum carried along respective fiber or group of fibers into electrical energy. The lambda-specific photovoltaic cells are formed onto light spreading structures optically coupled to a respective tap fiber or multi-fiber cable, adapted to trap the injected light and convert it into electricity.

Abstract: Apparatus and techniques for mounting frameless photovoltaic modules reduce module stress induced by the mounting configuration. Mounting clamps and rail/clamp spacing configured to relieve module stress by reducing or eliminating module sag are used.

Abstract: A dye-sensitized solar cell includes a base material that functions as an electrode, has flexibility, and has a porous layer, containing a dye-sensitizer-supported fine particle of a metal oxide semiconductor on one surface thereof. A counter electrode base material is arranged to oppose the base material for dye sensitized solar cell, functions as an electrode, and has flexibility. A solid electrolyte layer is provided between the base material for dye-sensitized solar cell and the counter electrode base material and contacts the porous layer. Among the base materials, at least one has transparency; and at least one has an insulating layer provided on a surface thereof. The insulating layer is provided in a region a region where the porous layer is formed, and where the base materials are opposed to each other. The insulating layer has an external communication portion that leads from an inside of the porous layer-forming region to outside.

Abstract: The invention relates to nickel-cobalt alloys as current collectors and conductive interconnects, and to methods of deposition thereof on transparent conductive oxides. The invention further relates to transparent conductive oxides on which a nickel-cobalt alloy is deposited and to electrodes made of such transparent conductive oxides for photochemical applications, in particular, for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs).

Abstract: A solar energy concentrating system with high light collection efficiency includes a light concentrating unit, a light homogenizing unit and photovoltaic modules. The light concentrating unit includes a parabolic reflector and an ellipsoidal reflector which are coaxial and confocal. The light homogenizing unit includes an infrared filter and a hollow spherical reflector with a hole in its surface. When the system is under illumination, light is concentrated by the light concentrating unit through the hole in the spherical reflector surface and reflected by the inner surface of the spherical reflector onto the photovoltaic modules. The infrared filter covers the hole in the spherical reflector surface and reduces the heat in the photovoltaic modules under concentrated light. The combination of the parabolic reflector and the ellipsoidal reflector obtain highly concentrated light, and the hollow spherical reflector ensures light uniformity on the photovoltaic modules and light utilization efficiency.

Abstract: A solar energy collection system includes a solar cell, a transparent covering, and a eutectic interlayer binding the solar cell and the transparent covering together. At least some of a compound of the eutectic interlayer bonds with the transparent covering, raising the melting temperature of the eutectic interlayer above the melting temperature with the full amount of the compound present.

Abstract: A solar cell according to an embodiment includes a pattern layer arranged on a substrate and including a uneven pattern; a back electrode arranged on the pattern layer; a light absorption layer arranged on the back electrode; a buffer layer on the light absorption layer; and a front layer arranged on the buffer layer. The method fabricating a solar cell according to an embodiment includes forming a pattern layer including a uneven pattern on a substrate; forming a back electrode on the pattern layer; forming a light absorption layer on the back electrode; forming a buffer layer on the light absorption layer; and forming a front electrode on the buffer layer.